It doesn't make any sense. I have read the Church's official statement, I have had my friends try to explain it to me, I have talked to priests, I have talked to a Bishop, and the Church's view on birth control doesn't make any sense. Now, the abortion pill, that tracks. The ban on that is in line with Catholic teaching, but condoms and other preventative measures, I don't think they follow suit.
The main argument against birth control is that the primary purpose of sex is procreation. Fine, let's go with that. If the true purpose of sex was solely procreation, then the Church's approval of Natural Family Planning, a way of planning when to have sex to avoid pregnancy, would be hypocritical. To this argument, I have most often heard, "Yes but sex isn't solely about procreation, it's about bringing the husband and wife closer together."
Okay, okay, let's go with that. Sex is about procreation and bringing the wife and husband closer together. If that's true, then that kind of punches a hole in the "birth control is wrong because sex is about procreation" thing. The next most common response I get to this is that "but Natural Family Planning leaves some opportunity for failure." Which is a fair statement, but according to the official church teaching, NFP has a failure rate of two percent while, for example, condoms have a failure rate of four percent. If the reason NFP birth control is allowed is because it allows some opportunity for failure, then something like condoms or other preventative measures should also be admitted due to their higher chances of failure.
Some people I've talked to claimed that the reason birth control was against Catholic teaching when compared to NFP is because NFP is natural, while birth control is a man-made device. Once again, it's technically true, but does that really seem like a proper reason to ban it? Ignoring the fact that I doubt our God has an opinion on marital aids if the concept of man-made devices being introduced into sex is the principal reason behind it, then there isn't much reason coitus interruptus or "pulling out" should also be against Church teaching. On that note, I refuse to believe that "pulling out" violates the spirit of the marital act, but purposefully timing the female body to avoid kids doesn't.
One of the last statements I tend to hear about contraception is that it can ruin the family and lessen the bonds between husband and wife. Personally speaking, the past arguments have some weight behind them, but this last one really seems to be grasping at straws. I've heard a plethora of reasons people have gotten divorce, and the reasons listed are usually money, children, illness, or religion. I've yet to see a couple divorced because they decided to use condoms or birth control.
60 years ago, Pope Paul VI commissioned a study on birth control with 58 bishops and cardinals in study including the Polish Bishop Karol Wojtyla, better known as Pope John Pall II. This study, "The Study of Problems of Population, Family, and Birth," deliberated for two years in league with scientists and theologians to determine that it was in line with Catholic teaching to allow birth control. However, Pope Paul VI backed down at the last minute to the outrage, and frank dismissal, of men, bishops, cardinals, and the faithful.
If the Church is going to take a stance on something as controversial, debatable, and eroding to its authority as birth control, then they need to have a clear, concise, and reasonable stance against it.
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1. When you see each other after a hiatus it is like no time has passed.
Regardless of what you may have gone through, nothing can change the banter and personal communication you and your friends share. Nothing feels awkward or forced because you are having too much fun catching up!
2. You plan your outings around each other's schedules.
Your friend's work schedules or class schedules are memorized like the back of your hand. They are your priority, and you will do anything you can to get them to join you on adventures when it is convenient to do so.
3. You say 'I love you' on the phone.
Yes, you may say it in real life too, but saying it after a phone call means it has become a customary for you to validate your appreciate for one other. Like a significant other or family member, you feel the desire to express your love at the end of a conversation.
4. Nothing is boring when you are together.
No matter what you do together, you always have a good time. Why? Because your friends' company is all you need. With the right people, you can make any situation memorable.
5. You share weird inside jokes no one else understands.
And you would like to keep it that way. If you are anything like my friend group, we share a strange family dynamic that has lasted as a running joke forever. No matter what it is, your inside jokes and sly smirks will keep the spirits up for ages.
6. You plan to hang out for a couple hours but end up together the entire day.
So now you just expect it and prepare for a 24-hour long get-together. Naps are often a part of the agenda.
7. The hugs say a thousand words.
Perhaps you do it a little too much, but the hugs you share are always meaningful and comforting. Gotta love those group hugs especially!
8. You go on spontaneous adventures together.
It is where your favorite memories come from. Even though you might not be able to do them as much as you would like, you are always down for a trip, big or small, with the group.
9. You consider each other family.
Because you consider each other family, you treat each other like family. Constant love, constant support, and a tremendous amount of meals spent together.
10. They make you a better person.
It is not a special friend group unless you learn from one another. You had to be selective when choosing your friends and when you did, you felt like they could teach you a thing or two. Their actions influence who you are and you could not be more thankful.
11. You can't imagine life without them.
The very thought scares you and sends your heart racing. Thankfully, the ultimate friend group is right there with you so you never have to second-guess their loyalty. Instead, you can bask in the glory that is your ultimate friend group. #squadgoals.
1. No school = no stress.
There are no essays to write, no books to read, and no deadlines to meet. The only worry in the world is keeping track of putting sunblock on.
2. Country music is more fun to listen to.
All true fans will listen to country music 365 days a year, but we all know that it's so much better in the summer when you can roll down the windows.
3. Your skin looks and feels better.
Even if you don't have the type of skin that tans, there is more color there than in the winter ... maybe. Freckles, tan lines, peeling burns and clear skin make for a happier camper. You'll forget all about the ghost version of yourself that was shedding dry skin like a snake over the winter.
4. Being barefoot 24/7 is an option.
Obviously wearing no shoes in the middle of a blizzard isn't acceptable. You know what is, though? Wearing no shoes in the summer ever because why not?
5. Ice cream is an acceptable snack.
For people like me who can't resist ice cream even on a 10 degree day, summer is a giant ice cream blessing. Not only does it taste like heaven, it's actually refreshing.
6. Minimal clothing is required.
Is there anything worse than having to put on layers in the wintertime only to sweat to death the minute you come back inside? No need for more than a tank top and shorts in the summertime.
7. Going to the beach daily isn't weird.
Now that it's hot, it's beach season. If you live near the ocean there is an excuse to drive there day or night, rain or shine. Staying there all day is an option for those who don't burn, and for those who do, you can always come back at night for a bonfire.
8. Cookouts.
Even when they lead to disaster, summertime cookouts are the best. Nothing completes a cookout more than watermelon and corn on the cob.
9. Night swimming.
Oh the thrill of jumping in freezing cold water in the middle of the night. Good thing the air becomes colder than the water, making the pool like a giant bathtub.
10. Spontaneous adventures.
Summertime gives you the freedom to wake up in the morning and decide to do something totally out of the blue that you've never done before. Hiking to a waterfall, rock climbing, going to a museum, or even road tripping are all great summer options.
Even if the heat isn't really your thing, it's undeniable to admit that life really is better in the summer. There's so much more free time, opportunity, excitement and sunshine. Only four months to go!
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